friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1

: the state of being friends

they have a long-standing friendship

2

: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness

the friendship shown him by his coworkers

3

obsolete : aid

Synonyms

• amity
• benevolence
• brotherhood
• charity
• cordiality
• cordialness
• fellowship
• friendliness
• gemütlichkeit
• good-fellowship
• goodwill
• kindliness
• neighborliness

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries

They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Life advice Maintaining adult friendships after children come into the mix can be complicated. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 15 May 2025

And President Trump shows that friendship each and every day. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

However, Levi wants to stay and even forms a friendship with Vito, the most eccentric kid of all, who happens to be Marenka's son. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 15 May 2025

Multiple sources also tell PEOPLE that Lively's friendship with another longtime pal, Gigi Hadid, has cooled in recent months. —Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 15 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing friendship

• betray someone's friendship

Kids Definition

friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

: the state of being friends